Forum demands for 12th Pakke Kessang by-polls soon

Staff ReporterITANAGAR, Sep 15: The Peoples Forum of 12th Pakke-Kessang Assembly Constituency (PF12PKAC) on Friday demanded that the state government take immediate measures to hold the by-elections for 12th Pakke Kessang at the earliest, failing which, it said that it would resort to a series of democratic movements.
Addressing reporters in a press conference, Joint Secretary Nabro Natung claimed that no developmental packages have been given to the constituency for the past eight months.
The seat was declared vacant on February 8, 2017 after the verdict of the Atum Welly vs Kameng Dolo case in the Guahati High Court.
In a letter to the Chief Secretary, the PF12PKAC said that the Deputy Commissioner, who is also the District Election Officer, did not take any field survey, while the Circle Officer and stakeholders of the circle were also not taken into confidence before issuing the notification, which subsequently nullified the bye-elections during the monsoon season.
It also demanded white paper on the delay of the by-elections and asked the government reasons for the delay.
Showing photographic evidence of a badly bruised person, who was reportedly involved in a feud at Paling, the Joint Secretary claimed that there has been massive flow of money and alcohol in the name of election campaigns, which has lead to feuds between friends and family.
The Forum feared that more such incidents would erupt if the by-elections are not held at the earliest.
Left without a legislator, General Secretary Martin Brah lamented that there was no one to go to regarding the problems of the area. He also claimed that officers, who were not in terms with the dictate of the ruling BJP candidate, were being transferred from the area.
A letter regarding the issues was also submitted to the Governor on August 2 last.
Demanding a notification regarding the by-election within the next seven days, the Forum said that it would start its democratic movement from the Capital and take up all necessary means to bring welfare to its people.